With a four-season climate conducive to
almost any outdoor sport, Sumter is known for the active lifestyles of
its citizens. Abounding in scenic beauty, the area is an irresistible
enticement for nature lovers, and state-of-the-art recreational
facilities offer the chance to enjoy a wide variety of sports.
With five public courses in Sumter County
and more than 40 others within an hour’s drive, Sumter is the sweetest spot to golf!
Sumter’s courses offer a challenge to golfers of every skill
level, and our mild four-season climate is great for year-round play.
Sumter's own golf courses are Beach Creek Golf Club, Links at Lakewood and
Crystal Lakes. There are also private courses, Carolina Lakes at
Shaw
AFB and Sunset Country Club.
World famous Swan Lake-Iris
Gardens
features all eight known swan species and the most intensive plantings
of Japanese iris in the United States. Manchester State Forest is home
to Poinsett State Park, annual equestrian events, mountain biking and
ATV trails, the High Hills extension of the SC Palmetto Trail and some
of the best hunting in the state. Lake Marion offers 100,000 acres of
prime fishing. The Lynches River and Woods Bay State Natural Area are a
breathtaking trip for paddling enthusiasts. Neighboring Lake Wateree
Recreation Area has been a favorite of Shaw families for
generations,
with cabins and boat rentals available in season, picnic pavilions, RV
sites and a recreation center. Active-duty military, military retirees,
reservists, National Guardsmen, and current Department of Defense
employees and thier immediate family members provided they carry a DoD
identification card are authorized to use the facility, as well as
sponsored guests (the sponsor must be present on the grounds).
Sumter boasts more than 30 parks, from
quiet “green spaces” to fully-equipped outdoor sports
complexes. Palmetto
Tennis Center is one of the largest public tennis complexes
in South Carolina. It boasts 24 state of the art tennis courts
and is lit for night play. Three on-site tennis pros offer private
lessons and group clinics for beginner to advanced players. Other
amenities include two ball machines, stringing service, restrooms and
pro shop. Admission for regular
play is free of charge! The City of Sumter
Aquatics Center
offers family swimming, exercise classes, lifeguard training and
more.This
center meets requirements for competition swim meets and equipped with
swim lanes, slide, and wade-pool entrance with fountain.Dillon Park
features soccer, football, softball, golf (at adjacent Crystal Lakes
Golf Course), a walking track and equestrian ring. For exercise
walkers, the Cypress Trail offers more than a half dozen routes
throughout various areas of Sumter County. Boating, golfing, hiking,
biking, fishing, hunting and horseback riding come naturally to most
residents and visitors.
Indoor fun is readily available in
Sumter, as well. A multiplex theatre features the latest attractions.
An indoor fun park offers go-karts, miniature golf, arcade games and
more.
For more information on recreational
opportunities, please call the Swan Lake Visitors Center at
803-436-2640 or the Sumter County Recreation Department at 803-436-2248.
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